Prison system remains at code black
Custodial Institutions Service warns of full cells, staff shortages and ageing buildings.
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According to the Custodial Institutions Service, the Dutch prison system has been at ‘code black’ since the end of 2024. The organisation says the pressure is increasing further due to a combination of a shortage of cells, unfilled vacancies and more complex problems among prisoners.
According to DJI, prison occupancy in 2025 was above the critical threshold of 99.5 per cent. At the same time, around 150 to 200 available cells could not be used because there was insufficient staff. DJI also reports approximately 600 unfilled vacancies.
The capacity problems are not just a question of space. The service is seeing more psychiatric and addiction-related problems and notes that prisoners are becoming older on average. DJI also says that criminal activity from detention and hardening attitudes among part of the target group are putting pressure on security.
There is also a backlog of maintenance. Without major maintenance and renovation, around 3,000 existing places could become unavailable in the coming years, according to DJI. In an earlier action plan, the service calculated that hundreds of millions of euros would be needed to keep existing institutions up to standard and create additional capacity.
One of the proposed solutions is a broader transition from detention to society. Director-General Wim Saris argued on EenVandaag that more prisoners who qualify should be allowed to work outside prison during the day. According to experts, this should support the return to work and society, but requires selection, supervision and cooperation with employers.
The cabinet announced measures as early as June. State Secretary Claudia van Bruggen wants to reopen the prison in Almere, which would eventually provide 320 additional cells. Work is also under way on phased detention, so that some prisoners in the final phase of their sentence have more opportunities to prepare for their return.
The debate is therefore about more than construction alone. A larger stock of cells could ease the pressure, but would not automatically solve the staff shortage and growing need for care. Fewer admissions, faster progression and better guidance could free up capacity, while stricter security conditions could in turn require additional staff.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- DJI reports structural capacity problems, staff shortages and a high occupancy rate.
- The cabinet has already announced measures, including the reopening of the prison in Almere.
- Allowing more prisoners to work outside the institution is a proposed measure, not established nationwide policy.
Left
Arguments The state must invest in staff, mental healthcare and reintegration. Building more cells alone could exacerbate the underlying problems and increase the risk of people returning after their sentence without prospects.
Values Humane detention, community safety and preventing reoffending.
Consequences Higher public spending in the short term, but potentially less reoffending and less pressure on prisons and healthcare in the longer term.
Centre
Arguments A combination is needed: sufficient cells and staff, faster progression and controlled forms of phased detention. Every measure must be assessed for its legal, practical and security aspects.
Values Practical feasibility, the rule of law and a balance between security and rehabilitation.
Consequences A gradual approach could reduce the pressure, but requires long-term funding and clear selection criteria.
Right
Arguments An imposed prison sentence must be capable of being carried out effectively and safely. The government must therefore first put capacity and supervision in order and be cautious about easing detention.
Values Retribution, protecting victims and confidence in the rule of law.
Consequences More cells and visible enforcement could strengthen the sense of security, but require additional staff and money.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
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The key figures and policy measures can be found in official publications. The proposed solutions and their effects are described as proposals and uncertainties.
- confirmed DJI has referred to code black since the end of 2024. — Mentioned in DJI’s official State of Implementation publication. source
- confirmed Cell occupancy was above 99.5 per cent in 2025. — DJI cites this occupancy rate in the same publication. source
- confirmed DJI has approximately 600 vacancies and 150 to 200 cells that cannot be used. — These figures appear in the official DJI publication. source
- confirmed The cabinet wants to reopen the prison in Almere to provide 320 additional cells. — The measure appears in the cabinet’s June 2026 announcement. source
Editor's note
The capacity, occupancy and vacancy figures come from DJI. The effects of the proposed measures cannot yet be established.Sources
- Stand van de Uitvoering: anders werken noodzakelijk — Dienst Justitiële Inrichtingen
- Gevangenen overdag laten werken oplossing voor cellentekort? — EenVandaag
- Kabinet pakt druk op gevangenissen aan — Rijksoverheid
More on this in Dutch media
- RTL Nieuws — „gevangenissen justitie”
- NOS — „gevangenissen justitie”
- Het Parool — „gevangenissen justitie”